Wilderness Ways for the Jewish Soul: A 3 day hut/ dayhiking adventure
Adventure Rabbi presents... A Weekend Hiking/Hut Trip at Polar Star Inn in Eagle, Colorado July 23-25, 2004 Have Adventure Rabbi Contact You Now
Most of us sense something of the Divine while outdoors. Why are these feelings so strong? Can we integrate the experience of wilderness into Jewish practice?

Join us for a 3-day adventure exploring the magnificent valleys and ridges surrounding Polar Star Inn, all with a Jewish twist.

Polar Star Inn -our home for 3 days

Imagine meandering up the tree-covered ridges and eating lunch at treeline, where the views open to reveal one of the most spectacular panoramic views of the range.

Imagine yourself surrounded by lodgepole pine and douglas fir, as you listen to stories about how our people have, for millennia, had profound spiritual experiences in the outdoors.

This wilderness adventure will be lead by Adventure Rabbi guides Rabbi Mike Comins and Alison Wallis

1. Trip Description
2. Jewish Practice
3. Difficulty
4. Gear
5. Guides
6. Cost
7. Dates
8. Travel Logistics
9. Accommodations
10. Food
11. Registration
12. Cancellation Policy
13. Safety

Trip Description:
We meet at the trailhead on Friday afternoon for our hike into Polar Star Inn. (Note: we are currently selecting routes. Details will be posted soon.) After settling in, we will hike to a beautiful spot and welcome Shabbat with song. We'll return to our hut to watch the sunset as we enjoy dinner and a Shabbat celebration.

Saturday and Sunday will be filled with dayhikes and Jewish learning. Details will follow, but hikes will be about 6-8 miles, at a moderate pace. Please note, the major physical challenge of this trip will be elevation. Polar Star Hut is at 11,040 feet.

Just like Sinai?

Jewish Practice:
Rabbi Mike Comins teaches the Jewish theory of connecting to God in wilderness. Participants will learn how to "soak up" God's presence through sight, sound and touch. Rabbi Comins shows how Judaism's greatest spiritual leaders, ancient and contemporary, were shaped by intimate contact with the natural world.

Through hiking, study, discussion and spiritual exercise (traditional and contemporary), we'll see how wilderness is an optimal place to engage one's heart and enliven Jewish practice.

We will enjoy Shabbat and Havdallah Adventure Rabbi style: hiking in the magnificent alpine wilderness, eating delicious trail treats, and taking plenty of time for songs and stories.

3. Difficulty:
For athletes who are used to hiking - moderate.

For others - strenuous.

Although this weekend will not include a peak climb, it will be at elevation. The hut itself is at 11,040'. If you are accustomed to hiking a lot, this will not be challenging. If hiking is new to you, this is a unique opportunity, worth training for. Although the hike to the hut will not be more than a few miles, we will be carrying our food and gear.

4. Gear:
We provide all group gear and food. You provide sturdy, well-broken-in boots, backpack, daypack, clothing, toiletries and sleeping bag. Clothing list provided with registration.

5. Guides:
Rabbi Mike Comins
Mike is well known in the Jewish outdoor world for his innovative work combining wilderness and spirituality. He brings to his teaching both classical learning (ordination:Hebrew Union College- Jerusalem) and cutting edge training (licensed Israeli desert guide.) His approach is easy-going, but he is clearly tapping into a deep source. Ask Mike about his numerous solo wilderness retreats, including 4 and 6 week silent retreats!

Mike is the founder of TorahTrek and leads hiking trips, llama-packs, kayaking trips and "Soul-O," a Vision Quest type program. We are thrilled that he will be sharing his unique approach with Adventure Rabbi participants this summer.

Alison Wallis
Alison is well-known in the Jewish-outdoor community for her work with Colorado Mosaic Outdoor Mountain Club (MOMC). She has led countless trips of all types- hiking, canoeing, skiing, backpacking and more.

In March Alison joined the Adventure Rabbi team as a wilderness guide on our 4-day Grand Canyon trip. By popular demand, she is back!

Alison has vast experience as an outdoor leader and we are proud that she is a member of the Adventure Rabbi team.

6. Cost:
The early registration price for the trip is $300, which includes meals beginning with dinner Friday night through lunch on Sunday, 2 nights lodging at Polar Star Inn, group equipment, hiking safety instruction, and Adventure Rabbi programming. June 15 price goes up to $350, July 1 to $400.

7. Dates:
We will meet in Edwards on July 23, ready to hike. We will return the evening of July 25.

8.Travel:
Although the trip begins at the trailhead, we will help you arrange carpools from Denver or Boulder.

9. Accommodations:
Polar Star Inn is a privately owned backcountry lodge, booked by 10th Mountain. Polar Star Inn is a tall-standing structure with a big deck that looks west over the Colorado Plateau: a sunset watcher's paradise. There are 17 shared sleeping spaces (we cannot guarante private rooms) and running water that makes kitchen work a snap. The Inn was built in 1987.

10. Food:
We will enjoy delicious, simple, backcountry fare, which we will prepare together. We try to buy natural, organic foods when possible. Most special food requirements can be accommodated.

11. Registration:
Since we can only accommodate 15 people on this trip, we expect that it will fill quickly. Please register early so you will not be disappointed. (Please register below). A 50% non-refundable deposit of $150 with your registration will hold your spot. The remainder is due June 1, 2004.

To link to the registration packet, click here>>

12. Cancellation Policy:
No refunds will be extended after June 1, 2004. We strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance.

13. Safety:
Adventure Rabbi staff are outdoor professionals and will take every precaution to ensure your safety. However, there are unavoidable risks in a wilderness trip and participants are required to sign a waiver acknowledging that they understand and accept the risks involved. Participants are expected to be in sufficient physical condition, exercise sound judgment and avoid unnecessary risks.